BALSAMIC ASPARAGUS SALAD

Balsamic Asparagus Salad image

For this asparagus salad, allow enough time to let the flavors blend for at least an hour. That's one of the secrets to why it tastes so delicious! If you're short on time, use 1/2 cup prepared balsamic vinaigrette instead of making it from scratch. -Dolores Brigham, Inglewood, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup dried cranberries
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Dash salt and pepper
3 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted
3 tablespoons chopped cooked bacon or bacon bits

Steps:

In a large saucepan, bring 1 in. of water to a boil. Add asparagus; cover and boil for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry. Transfer to a large bowl; add the onion, red pepper and cranberries., In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper; shake well. Pour over asparagus mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, stir in almonds and bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 139 calories, Fat 9g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 208mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges